The accident at Statoil’s Mongstad refinery north of Bergen occurred on 29 November 2014 in connection with preparations for maintenance of a compressor in the cracker.
An employee fell about three metres from a ladder and was seriously injured when a valve was to be operated at a height above ground. He suffered serious head injuries in addition to broken bones, and was hospitalised
The PSA decided on 1 December 2014 to conduct its own investigation of the incident.
Nonconformity
One nonconformity has been identified by the PSA investigation. This relates to the failure to conduct a risk assessment when changing to a geared valve.
In addition, the investigation has found improvement points related to inadequate training in the functioning of the valve, unfortunate practice when using a ladder, and inadequate risk assessment before ascending a ladder.
The PSA has now asked Statoil to explain how the nonconformity will be dealt with, and how the company assesses the improvement points which have been identified.